Gagarin Cup Finals: Metallurg Magnitogorsk VS. Lev Prague FULL SERIES

This post will cover all Gagarin Cup Finals games.

Game 1: Magnitogorsk, Russia. In goal: Petri Vehanen for Lev and Vasily Koshechkin for Metallurg. Prague opened in the first period with a Martin Sevc power play goal, powered by Justin Azevedo. Lev added on in the second period with a Petr Vrana goal, assisted by Jiri Sekac and Martin Thornberg. Prague extended the lead in the third period as Azevedo scored an empty net goal, set up by Jiri Novotny and Patrik Zackrisson. This was good for a 3-0 win, with the three stars being Vehanen (21 save shutout), Azevedo, and Sevc. Lev establishes a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Magnitogorsk, Russia. In goal: Petri Vehanen for Lev and Vasily Koshechkin for Metallurg. Magnitogorsk got going in the second period on a Bogdan Potekhin goal, fueled by Mikhail Yunkov and Sergei Tereshchenko. Metallurg added on with a Danis Zaripov goal, assisted by Chris Lee and Sergei Mozyakin. Magnitogorsk extended the lead as Jan Kovar scored a power play goal, powered by Mozyakin and Zaripov. Metallurg padded the lead in the third period on a Mozyakin goal, made possible Kovar and Rinat Ibragimov. Prague got on the board with a Justin Azevedo goal, guided in by Mikko Maenpaa. This made it 4-1, with the three stars going to Mozyakin, Zaripov, and Kovar. The series heads to the Czech Republic tied at 1.

Game 3: Prague, Czech Republic. In goal: Vasily Koshechkin for Metallurg and Petri Vehanen for Lev. Prague started in the first period on a Jiri Sekac goal, assisted by Martin Thornberg and Petr Vrana. Magnitogorsk tied it in the second period on a power play goal by Sergei Mozyakin, powered by Danis Zaripov. Lev took the lead back in the third period on a Justin Azevedo goal, guided in by Nathan Oystrick and Mikko Maenpaa on the power play. Metallurg tied it late with a Francis Pare goal, coming off of Mozyakin and Chris Lee. Prague won 3-2 on another Azevedo goal, with a lone assist by Maenpaa. The three stars were Azevedo, Mozyakin, and Maenpaa. Lev has a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4: Prague, Czech Republic. In goal: Vasily Koshechkin for Metallurg and Petri Vehanen for Lev. Magnitogorsk was first to score in the first period on a Yaroslav Khabarov goal, made possible by Evgeny Timkin. Prague tied it on a David Ullstrom goal, fueled by Niko Kapanen. Lev took the lead on a Justin Azevedo goal, via Patrik Zackrisson. Metallurg retied it on a Viktor Antipin power play goal, powered by Danis Zaripov and Sergei Mozyakin. Prague pulled ahead again in the second period as Ondrej Nemec scored a power play goal, with the help of Azevedo and Kapanen. Magnitogorsk pulled even on an Antipin goal, with a lone assist by Mozyakin. Metallurg took the lead in the third period as Zaripov scored, thanks to Mozyakin, who got a sock trick, and Antipin. Magnitogorsk made it 5-3, the final, with another Zaripov goal, assisted by Mozyakin and Jan Kovar on the power play. The three stars went to Zaripov, Antipin, and Mozyakin, while Azevedo and Kapanen get the honorable mentions. The series heads back to Russia tied at 2.

Game 5: Magnitogorsk, Russia. In goal: Petri Vehanen and Vasily Koshechkin. Magnitogorsk dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Sergei Mozyakin goal, with a lone assist by Jan Kovar. Prague tied it in the third period as Justin Azevedo scored, thanks to Patrik Zackrisson and Martin Sevc. Metallurg won 2-1 in overtime on another Mozyakin, his second of the game, made possible by Danis Zaripov and Kovar. The three stars were given to Mozyakin, Koshechkin (35 for 36 in saves), and Kovar. Metallurg has a 3-2 series advantage and will look to close out the championship on the road.

Game 6: Prague, Czech Republic. In goal: Vasily Koshechkin and Petri Vehanen. Magnitogorsk struck first in the first period on a Sergei Mozyakin goal, assisted by Danis Zaripov and Jan Kovar. Prague tied it on a power play goal by Justin Azevedo, powered by Martin Sevc and Ondrej Nemec. Lev took the lead as Sevc scored a power play goal, helped along by Nemec and Azevedo. Metallurg tied it in the second period with a Mikhail Yunkov goal, made possible by Oskar Osala and Sergei Tereshchenko. Magnitogorsk pulled ahead on a Chris Lee goal, passed from Tim Brent and Evgeny Timkin. Prague pulled even again on a Ryan O'Byrne goal, guided in by Michal Birner and Michal Repik. Metallurg took the lead again as Francis Pare scored, thanks to Mozyakin and Yunkov. Lev evened the score in the third period with an unassisted goal by Mikko Maenpaa. Prague won 5-4 in overtime with a Nathan Oystrick goal, with a lone helper by Patrik Zackrisson. The three stars were Azevedo, Sevc, and Mozyakin, while Yunkov and Nemec get the honorable mentions. The series will be decided on Thursday in Magnitogorsk, with the current mark being a 3-3 tie. 

Game 7: Magnitogorsk, Russia. In goal: Petri Vehanen and Vasily Koshechkin. Magnitogorsk led off in the first period with a Francis Pare goal, via Yaroslav Khabarov. Prague tied it with a David Ullstrom goal, helped along by Marc-Andre Gragnani. Metallurg retook the lead in the second period on an Evgeny Biryukov goal, made possible by Viktor Antipin and Danis Zaripov. Lev tied it again as Ryan O'Byrne scored an unassisted goal. Magnitogorsk regained the lead on a Yaroslav Kosov goal, guided in by Evgeny Timkin and Dmitry Kazionov. Metallurg added on with a Jan Kovar goal, fueled by Antipin and Zaripov. Magnitogorsk extended the lead in the third period on a Sergei Mozyakin goal, passed from Zaripov, who got a sock trick, and Kovar. Metallurg padded the lead as Zaripov scored, thanks to Kovar. Prague got one back on a Martin Thornberg goal, assisted by Ondrej Nemec. Lev chipped closer as Justin Azevedo scored, with the help of Nemec and Jivi Novotny. Magnitogorsk iced it at 7-4 with an empty net goal by Mikhail Yunkov, set up by Pare and Oskar Osala. The three stars were given to Zaripov, Kovar, and Pare, while Antipin and Nemec get the honorable mentions. Metallurg captures the Gagarin Cup Championship by a 4-3 margin in the series.

See you all next September for more KHL hockey as I will enter my third season covering the league. In the meantime, keep reading through my NHL playoffs posts and look ahead to the MLS coverage I will be bringing beginning in May. 

Metropolitan Division Playoffs: Pittsburgh Penguins VS. Columbus Blue Jackets

This post is a reference for the above referenced series, so check back here for each game.

Game 1: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Sergei Bobrovsky and Marc-Andre Fleury. Columbus led off in the first period with a Jack Johnson goal, fueled by Brandon Dubinsky. Pittsburgh tied it with a Jussi Jokinen goal, courtesy of Evgeni Malkin and Olli Maatta. The Blue Jackets took the lead back on a power play goal by Mark Letestu, powered by Johnson and Boone Jenner. Columbus added on in the second period as Derek MacKenzie scored a shorthanded and unassisted goal. The Penguins shot back with a Beau Bennett power play goal, assisted by Matt Niskanen and Paul Martin. Pittsburgh tied it with a power play goal by Niskanen, guided in by Malkin and Sidney Crosby. The Penguins took the lead in the third period on a Brett Sutter goal, passed from Bennett and Martin. This held up for a 4-3 win, with the three stars going to Niskanen, Bennett, and Johnson, while Malkin and Martin get the honorable mentions. Pittsburgh owns a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Sergei Bobrovsky and Marc-Andre Fleury. Pittsburgh opened in the first period on a Brian Gibbons goal, fueled by Matt Niskanen and Sidney Crosby. The Penguins added on with a Gibbons goal, his second of the game, a shorthanded goal set up by Paul Martin and Brooks Orpik. Columbus tied it on a Ryan Johansen power play goal, powered by David Savard and Ryan Murray. Pittsburgh shot back on a power play goal by Niskanen, his second of the postseason, guided in by Martin and Crosby on the power play. The Blue Jackets got one back in the second period on a shorthanded goal by Matt Calvert, made possible by Artem Anisimov and Savard. Columbus tied it in the third period on a power play goal by Jack Johnson, his second of the playoffs, assisted by Johansen and Boone Jenner. The Blue Jackets won in the second overtime on another goal by Calvert, his second of the game, helped along by Cam Atkinson and Brandon Dubinsky. The three stars in the 4-3 game were Calvert, Johansen, and Gibbons, while Niskanen, Savard, Martin, and Crosby got the honorable mentions. The series shifts to Columbus tied at 1.

Game 3: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio. In goal: Marc-Andre Fleury and Sergei Bobrovsky. Columbus started in the first period with a Boone Jenner goal, fueled by Jack Skille and Ryan Johansen. The Blue Jackets added on with a Jack Johnson goal, his third of the postseason, coming off of Brandon Dubinsky and David Savard. Pittsburgh got on the board in the second period on a Brooks Orpik goal, made possible by Beau Bennett and Paul Martin. Columbus shot back in the third period on a Cam Atkinson goal, via Dubinsky and Matt Calvert. The Penguins pulled back with a Brandon Sutter goal, his second of the playoffs, courtesy of Martin and Bennett. Pittsburgh tied it on a Lee Stempniak goal, assisted by Chris Kunitz and Kris Letang. The Penguins took the lead with an Jussi Jokinen goal, his second of the postseason, guided in by Olli Maatta and Evgeni Malkin. They held on for a 4-3 win, with the three stars going to Bennett, Martin, and Dubinsky. The Penguins now have a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio. In goal: Marc-Andre Fleury and Sergei Bobrovsky. Pittsburgh was first to score in the first period with a Craig Adams shorthanded goal, set up by Brandon Sutter and Paul Martin. The Penguins added on with a Chris Kunitz power play goal, powered by Matt Niskanen and Martin. Pittsburgh extended the lead as James Neal scored, thanks to Jussi Jokinen and Evgeni Malkin. Columbus got on the board with a Boone Jenner power play goal, his second of the postseason, fueled by Mark Letestu and James Wisniewski. The Blue Jackets pulled closer on a Ryan Johansen power play goal, his second of the playoffs, via Artem Anisimov and Brandon Dubinsky. Columbus tied it in the third period as Dubinsky scored, with the help of Johansen and Jack Johnson. The Blue Jackets won 4-3 in overtime on a Nick Foligno goal, made possible by R.J. Umberger and Wisniewski. The three stars were Dubinsky, Johansen, and Wisniewski, while Martin gets an honorable mention. Heading back to Pittsburgh, the series is tied at 2.

Game 5: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Sergei Bobrovsky and Marc-Andre Fleury. Columbus struck first in the first period on a Boone Jenner goal, his third of the postseason, a power play goal powered by David Savard and Ryan Johansen. Pittsburgh tied it in the second period with a Chris Kunitz power play goal, his second of the playoffs, coming off of Sidney Crosby and Matt Niskanen. The Penguins took the lead on a Jussi Jokinen goal, his third of the postseason, assisted by Brandon Sutter and Lee Stempniak. Pittsburgh finished it at 3-1 with a Kris Letang empty net goal, guided in by Craig Adams and Kunitz. The three stars were Kunitz, Jokinen, and Fleury (23 for 24 in saves). The Penguins hold a 3-2 series lead to take to Columbus. 

Game 6: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio. In goal: Marc-Andre Fleury and Sergei Bobrovsky. Pittsburgh began in the first period on an Evgeni Malkin goal, fueled by Chris Kunitz. The Penguins added on as Malkin scored his second of the game, a power play goal powered by Sidney Crosby and Matt Niskanen. Pittsburgh extended the lead in the second period on an unassisted goal by Brandon Sutter, his third of the postseason. The Penguins padded the lead when Malkin finish his hat trick with his third of the night, passed from Jussi Jokinen and Niskanen. Columbus got on the board in the third period on a Fedor Tyutin shorthanded goal, set up by Matt Calvert and Jack Johnson. The Blue Jackets got another back on an Artem Anisimov power play goal, courtesy of Johnson and Cam Atkinson. Columbus pulled closer on a Nick Foligno goal, his second of the playoffs, via Tyutin. They couldn't get the equalizer, falling 4-3. The three stars belonged to Malkin, Niskanen, and Tyutin, while Johnson gets an honorable mention. The Penguins advance on a 4-2 series win. 

Pacific Division Playoffs: Anaheim Ducks VS. Dallas Stars

This post is a reference for the above referenced series, so check back here for each game.

Game 1: Honda Center, Anaheim, California. In goal: Kari Lehtonen and Frederik Andersen. Anaheim opened in the first period on a Kyle Palmieri goal, guided in by Nick Bonino and Daniel Winnik. The Ducks added on as Ryan Getzlaf scored, thanks to Matt Beleskey and Corey Perry. Anaheim extended the lead with a Mathieu Perreault power play goal, powered by Pat Maroon and Getzlaf. The Ducks padded the lead on a second period Beleskey power play goal, coming off of Francois Beauchemin and Teemu Selanne. Dallas got on the board with a Jamie Benn power play goal, assisted by Alex Chiasson and Tyler Seguin. The Stars pulled closer with a Colton Sceviour goal, made possible by Cody Eakin and Jordie Benn. Dallas chipped closer in the third period on a Seguin goal, fueled by Trevor Daley and Valeri Nichushkin. They failed to tie it, losing 4-3, with the three stars going to Beleskey, Getzlaf, and Seguin. Anaheim has a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Honda Center, Anaheim, California. In goal: Kari Lehtonen and Frederik Andersen. Dallas began in the first period with an Alex Chiasson power play goal, powered by Jamie Benn and Alex Goligoski. Anaheim tied it on an unassisted Ryan Getzlaf goal, his second of the postseason. The Ducks took the lead with a Corey Perry goal, going in unassisted. Anaheim added on in the third period with a shorthanded Andrew Cogliano goal, set up by Getzlaf. The Stars got one back as Ryan Garbutt scored, thanks to Shawn Horcoff and Antoine Roussel. This only made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars going to Getzlaf, Cogliano, and Perry. The Ducks will leave home with a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas. In goal: Frederik Andersen and Kari Lehtonen. Dallas struck first in the first period with a Jamie Benn goal, his second of the postseason, assisted by Shawn Horcoff and Trevor Daley. The Stars added on in the second period with a Valeri Nichushkin goal, courtesy of Tyler Seguin and Colton Sceviour. Dallas extended the lead in the third period as Ryan Garbutt potted his second of the playoffs, thanks to Cody Eakin and Antoine Roussel. This was good for a 3-0 win, with the three stars being Lehtonen (37 save shutout), Benn, and Nichushkin. The Ducks still have a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas. In goal: Frederik Andersen and Kari Lehtonen. Anaheim was first to score in the first period on a Bryan Allen goal, coming off of Cam Fowler and Andrew Cogliano. The Ducks added on as Pat Maroon scored, with the help of Mathieu Perreault. Dallas got on the board in the second period on a Jamie Benn goal, his third of the postseason, an unassisted goal. The Stars tied it on a Vernon Fiddler goal, guided in by Shawn Horcoff and Jordie Benn. Dallas took the lead in the third period on a Cody Eakin goal, via Antoine Roussel and the goalie Lehtonen. The Stars extended the lead with an Alex Goligoski goal, assisted by Fiddler and Horcoff. This gave them a 4-2 win, with the three stars belonging to Fiddler, Horcoff, and Goligoski. The series heads west again tied at 2.

Game 5: Honda Center, Anaheim, California. In goal: Kari Lehtonen and Frederik Andersen. Anaheim led off in the first period on a Nick Bonino power play goal, powered by Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. Dallas tied it on a shorthanded and unassisted Jamie Benn goal, his fourth of the postseason. The Ducks took the lead as Rickard Rakell scored a power play goal, thanks to Francois Beauchemin and Luca Sbisa. Anaheim added on in the second period on a power play goal by Mathieu Perreault, his second of the playoffs, with assists provided by Getzlaf and Pat Maroon. The Stars got one back on a Shawn Horcoff goal, fueled by Vernon Fiddler and Jordie Benn. The Ducks shot back on a Jakob Silfverberg goal, via Andrew Cogliano and Saku Koivu. Anaheim extended the lead with a Getzlaf goal, his third of the postseason, passed from Perry. The Ducks finished it at 6-2 with a Perry power play goal, his second of the playoffs, pushed through by Perreault and Cam Fowler. The three stars were given to Getzlaf, Perreault, and Perry. Anaheim pushes Dallas to brink with a 3-2 series lead.

Game 6: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas. In goal: Frederik Andersen and Kari Lehtonen. Dallas started in the first period with a Trevor Daley goal, assisted by Shawn Horcoff. The Stars added on with a Cody Eakin power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Tyler Seguin and Alex Goligoski. Anaheim tied it on a Devante Smith-Pelly power play goal, coming off of Teemu Selanne and Rickard Rakell. Dallas answered with a Ryan Garbutt goal, his third of the playoffs, made possible by Eakin and Daley. The Ducks pulled back in the second period on a Ben Lovejoy goal, guided in by Selanne. The Stars shot back Daley's second of the game, fueled by Goligoski. Anaheim got one back on a Nick Bonino power play goal, his second of the postseason, passed from Corey Perry and Matt Beleskey. The Ducks tied it with Smith-Pelly's second of the game, courtesy of Francois Beauchemin and Perry. Anaheim won with another Bonino goal in overtime, his second of the game and third of the playoffs, pushed through by Andrew Cogliano and Lovejoy for a 5-4 win. Bonino, Smith-Pelly, and Daley get the three stars, while Eakin, Goligoski, Selanne, Perry, and Lovejoy get the honorable mentions. The Ducks complete the comeback for a 4-2 series win, advancing to the next round of the playoffs. 

Central Division Playoffs: St. Louis Blues VS. Chicago Blackhawks

This post is a reference for the above referenced series, so check back here for each game.

Game 1: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Corey Crawford and Ryan Miller. St. Louis led off in the first period on an Adam Cracknell goal, courtesy of Maxim Lapierre and Chris Porter. Chicago tied it on a Johnny Oduya goal, via Brandon Saad and Jonathan Toews. The Blackhawks took the lead on a power play goal by Brent Seabrook, powered by Kris Versteeg and Nick Leddy. The Blues retied it again on a Vladimir Tarasenko goal, fueled by Kevin Shattenkirk and Barret Jackman. Chicago took the lead back with a Patrick Kane goal, coming off of Toews and Seabrook. St. Louis tied it on a third period goal by Jaden Schwartz goal, with a lone assist by Derek Roy. The Blues in the third overtime/sixth period with an Alexander Steen goal, made possible by Steve Ott and David Backes. The three stars of the 4-3 game were Steen, Seabrook, and Toews. St. Louis owns a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Corey Crawford and Ryan Miller. St. Louis was first to score on a Chris Porter goal in the first period, assisted by Jordan Leopold and Kevin Shattenkirk. The Blues added on with a Shattenkirk goal, fueled by Jaden Schwartz and Vladimir Sobotka. Chicago got on the board in the second period with a Duncan Keith goal, made possible by Kris Versteeg and Brent Seabrook. The Blackhawks tied it in the third period on a Seabrook goal, his second of the postseason, coming off of Brandon Saad and Johnny Oduya. Chicago took the lead with a Michal Rozsival goal, with a lone assist by Saad. St. Louis tied it again as Vladimir Tarasenko scored his second of the playoffs, a power play goal powered Alex Pietrangelo and Shattenkirk. The Blues won 4-3 in overtime on a Barret Jackman goal, with helpers provided by Roman Polak and Sobotka. The three stars were given to Shattenkirk, Jackman, and Sobotka, while Seabrook and Saad get the honorable mentions. The Blues go on the road with a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: United Center, Chicago, Illinois. In goal: Ryan Miller and Corey Crawford. Chicago began in the first period with a Jonathan Toews goal, assisted by Duncan Keith and Sheldon Brookbank. The Blackhawks added on in the third period with a Marcus Kruger empty net goal, set up by Brandon Saad and Michal Handzus. This made it a 2-0 final, with the three stars being Crawford (34 save shutout), Toews, and Miller (23 for 24 in saves). The Blues still lead the series 2-1.

Game 4: United Center, Chicago, Illinois. In goal: Ryan Miller and Corey Crawford. Chicago got going in the second period with an Andrew Shaw power play goal, powered by Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. The Blackhawks added on as Kane scored his second of the postseason, thanks to Johnny Oduya and Toews. St. Louis got on the board with a Vladimir Tarasenko power play goal, his third of the playoffs, assisted by Alexander Steen and Vladimir Sobotka. The Blues tied it on a Maxim Lapierre goal, via Steve Ott and Chris Porter. St. Louis gained the lead on a Tarasenko goal, his second of the game and fourth of the postseason, made possible by Alex Pietrangelo. Chicago retied it on a Bryan Bickell goal, guided in by Michal Rozsival and Marian Hossa. The Blackhawks won 4-3 in overtime as Kane potted his second of the game and third of the playoffs, with a lone helper by Ben Smith. Kane, Tarasenko, and Toews were named the three stars. The series shifts back to St. Louis tied at 2.

Game 5: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Corey Crawford and Ryan Miller. Chicago struck first in the first period on a Marian Hossa goal, courtesy of Bryan Bickell and Niklas Hjalmarsson. St. Louis tied it on a T.J. Oshie goal, via Alexander Steen and Barret Jackman. The Blackhawks retook the lead with a Ben Smith goal, made possible by Sheldon Brookbank and Patrick Kane. The Blues pulled even in the third period on an Alex Pietrangelo goal, coming off of Jaden Schwartz. Chicago won 3-2 in overtime on a Jonathan Toews goal, his second of the postseason, assisted by Andrew Shaw and Duncan Keith. The three stars were handed to Toews, Smith, and Crawford (27 for 29 in saves). Chicago heads home with a chance to win the series as they own a 3-2 lead. 

Game 6: United Center, Chicago, Illinois. In goal: Ryan Miller and Corey Crawford. Chicago opened in the first period with a Bryan Bickell goal, his second of the postseason, assisted by Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith. St. Louis tied it on a T.J. Oshie goal, his second of the playoffs, fueled by Alexander Steen and Jay Bouwmeester. The Blackhawks took the lead back in the third period on a Jonathan Toews goal, his third of the postseason, a power play goal powered by Keith and Seabrook. Chicago added on as Patrick Sharp scored, thanks to Patrick Kane. The Blackhawks extended the lead with an Andrew Shaw goal, his second of the playoffs, made possible by Keith and Michal Rozsival. Chicago finished it at 5-1 on a Keith goal, his second of the postseason, passed from Shaw and Marcus Kruger. The three stars went to Keith, Seabrook, and Shaw. The Blackhawks advance to the second round with a 4-2 series win.

Atlantic Division Playoffs: Boston Bruins VS. Detroit Red Wings

This post is a reference for the above referenced series, so check back here for each game.

Game 1: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Jimmy Howard and Tuukka Rask. Detroit dented the scoreboard with a third period goal by Pavel Datsyuk, with a lone assist by Johan Franzen. This was good for a 1-0 win, with the three stars going to Datsyuk, Howard (25 save shutout), and Rask (23 for 24 in saves). Detroit owns a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2:  TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Jimmy Howard and Tuukka Rask. Boston led off with a first period Justin Florek goal, going in unassisted. The Bruins added on as Reilly Smith scored a power play goal, powered by Loui Eriksson and Patrice Bergeron. Detroit got on the board in the second period with a Luke Glendening goal, guided in by Darren Helm and Drew Miller. Boston shot back with a Milan Lucic goal, with assists provided by Jarome Iginla and Torey Krug. The Bruins extended the lead as Zdeno Chara scored a power play goal, made possible by Iginla and Krug. This was good for a 4-1 win, with the three stars being Rask (34 for 35 in saves), Iginla, and Krug. The series is tied at 1 as it shifts to Detroit.

Game 3: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan. In goal: Tuukka Rask and Jimmy Howard. Boston began in the first period on a power play goal by Dougie Hamilton, powered by Reilly Smith. The Bruins added on with a Jordan Caron goal, via Shawn Thornton and Kevan Miller. Boston iced it at 3-0 in the third period with a Patrice Bergeron empty net goal, going in unassisted. The three stars went to Rask (23 save shutout), Hamilton, and Caron. The Bruins grabbed a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan. In goal: Tuukka Rask and Jonas Gustavsson. Detroit was first to score in the first period on a Niklas Kronwall power play goal, powered by Pavel Datsyuk. The Red Wings added on in the second period as Datsyuk scored his second of the postseason, thanks to Kronwall and Justin Abdelkader. Boston got on the board with a power play goal by Torey Krug, via Patrice Bergeron. The Bruins tied it in the third period with a Milan Lucic goal, his second of the playoffs, made possible by Carl Soderberg and Dougie Hamilton. Boston won 3-2 in overtime on a Jarome Iginla goal, assisted by Hamilton and David Krejci. The three stars went to Iginla, Kronwall, and Datsyuk, while Hamilton gets an honorable mention. Boston heads home leading the series 3-1.

Game 5: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Jonas Gustavsson and Tuukka Rask. Boston struck first in the first period on a power play goal by Loui Eriksson, powered by Dougie Hamilton and the goalie Rask. Detroit tied it in the second period on a Pavel Datsyuk goal, his third of the postseason, a power play goal coming off of Johan Franzen and Henrik Zetterberg. The Bruins took the lead back on a Zdeno Chara goal, his second of the playoffs, fueled by Patrice Bergeron and Torey Krug on the power play. Boston added on in the third period with a Milan Lucic goal, his third of the postseason, courtesy of Krug. The Red Wings got one back with a Zetterberg goal, with assists provided by Justin Abdelkader and Datsyuk. The Bruins iced it at 4-2 on a Jarome Iginla goal, his second of the playoffs, an empty net goal set up by Lucic and David Krejci. The three stars went to Lucic, Krug, and Zetterberg, while Datsyuk gets an honorable mention. The Bruins win 4-1 in the series, and will play the Montreal Canadiens for the Atlantic Division championship.

Atlantic Division Playoffs: Tampa Bay Lightning VS. Montreal Canadiens

This post is a reference for the above referenced series, so check back here for each game.

Game 1: Tampa Bay Times Forum, Tampa, Florida. In goal: Carey Price and Anders Lindback. Tampa Bay began with a Nikita Kucherov goal, via J.T. Brown and Cedric Paquette. Montreal tied it on a Tomas Plekanec goal, coming off of Alexei Emelin and Brendan Gallagher. The Lightning took the lead back with a Steven Stamkos goal, with a lone assist by Mike Kostka. The Canadiens shot back on a Brian Gionta shorthanded goal, set up by Lars Eller and Mike Weaver. Montreal took the lead on an Eller goal, helped along by Gionta. Tampa Bay retied it on a Alex Killorn goal, fueled by Tyler Johnson. The Canadiens pulled ahead again on a Thomas Vanek goal, guided in by David Desharnais and Emelin. The Lightning tied it again as Stamkos scored his second of the game, thanks to Killorn. Montreal won 5-4 in overtime on a Dale Weise goal, assisted by Daniel Briere and Josh Gorges. The three stars were given to Weise, Stamkos, and Eller, while Gionta, Emelin, and Killorn get the honorable mentions. Montreal has a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Tampa Bay Times Forum, Tampa, Florida. In goal: Carey Price and Anders Lindback. Montreal got going in the second period on a David Desharnais power play goal, powered by P.K. Subban and Max Pacioretty. The Canadiens added on with a Rene Bourque goal, passed from Thomas Vanek and Subban. Montreal chased Lindback in the third period as Brendan Gallagher scored an unassisted goal. Kristers Gudlevskis replaced him. The Canadiens extended the lead on another Bourque goal, his second of the game, with a lone assist by Lars Eller. Tampa Bay got on the board with a Teddy Purcell power play goal, assisted by Victor Hedman and Valtteri Filppula. This only made it 4-1, the final, with the three stars being Bourque, Price (26 for 27 in saves), and Subban. The Canadiens lead the series 2-0 as they head back home.

Game 3: Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec. In goal: Anders Lindback and Carey Price. Montreal led off in the first period with a Rene Bourque goal, his third of the postseason, with a lone assist by P.K. Subban just eleven seconds into the game. Tampa Bay tied it on a second period power play goal by Ondrej Palat, powered by Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman. The Canadiens pulled ahead with a Brendan Gallagher goal, his second of the playoffs, via Subban and Lars Eller. Montreal added on in the third period with a Tomas Plekanec goal, his second of the postseason, made possible by Brandon Prust and Gallagher. The Lightning got one back on a Matthew Carle goal, fueled by Stamkos and Radko Gudas. They failed to tie it, losing 3-2, with the three stars going to Gallagher, Subban, and Stamkos. Montreal owns a 3-0 series lead and will looking to knock the Lightning out at home in the next game. 

Game 4: Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec. In goal: Anders Lindback and Carey Price. Montreal started in the first period with a Daniel Briere goal, made possible by Dale Weise and Michael Bournival. The Canadiens added on as Lars Eller scored his second of the postseason, thanks to Brian Gionta. Tampa Bay got on the board in the second period with an Ondrej Palat goal, his second of the playoffs, going in shorthanded and unassisted. Montreal answered with a Brendan Gallagher goal, his third of the postseason, via Tomas Plekanec and Josh Gorges. Lindback was pulled for Kristers Gudlevskis. The Lightning shot back on a Victor Hedman goal in the third period, guided in by Palat and Mike Kostka. Tampa Bay tied it on a Tyler Johnson goal, passed from J.T. Brown and Cedric Paquette. The Canadiens took the lead back late on a power play goal by Max Pacioretty, powered by Thomas Vanek and P.K. Subban. This was good for a 4-3 win, with the three stars going to Pacioretty, Palat, and Gallagher. The Canadiens swept the Lightning out with a 4-0 series win. 

NHL Day 195 2013-2014

Ten games on in the regular season finale today. We begin in...

St. Louis, as the Blues host the Detroit Red Wings. Petr Mrazek is mismatched with Ryan Miller in goal. Detroit started in the first period with a Justin Abdelkader goal, his ninth of the season, assisted by Brian Lashoff and Pavel Datsyuk. The Red Wings added on with a Riley Sheahan goal, his ninth of the year, with a lone assist by Tomas Tatar. Detroit iced it at 3-0 as Abdelkader scored his second of the game and tenth of the campaign in the third period, via Datsyuk and Jakub Kindl. The three stars were Abdelkader, Mrazek (23 save shutout), and Datsyuk.

Back east, the New Jersey Devils welcome the Boston Bruins. Chad Johnson and Martin Brodeur are the backups making the starts. New Jersey opened in the first period with a Marek Zidlicky goal, his eleventh of the season, assisted by Travis Zajac and Patrik Elias. Boston tied it on a Loui Eriksson power play goal, his tenth of the year, powered by Carl Soderberg and Brad Marchand. The Devils took the lead back in the third period on a Zajac goal, his eighteenth of the season, made possible by Jaromir Jagr and Jon Merrill. New Jersey added on with another Zidlicky goal, his twelfth of the year, via Damien Brunner and Jagr on the power play. The Bruins got one back with a Marchand power play goal, his twenty-fifth of the campaign, helped along by Soderberg and Eriksson. This only made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars being Zidlicky, Zajac, and Jagr, while Marchand, Eriksson, and Soderberg receive the honorable mentions.

Over in Philadelphia, the Flyers host the Carolina Hurricanes. Anton Khudobin faces a much lesser foe in Cal Heeter in goal. Carolina led off in the first period with a Jeff Skinner goal, his thirty-second of the season, passed from Riley Nash and Mike Komisarek. The Hurricanes added on with an Eric Staal goal, his twentieth of the year, guided in by Jiri Tlusty and Justin Faulk. Philadelphia got on the board with a Matt Read goal, his twenty-second of the season, made possible by Jason Akeson and Mark Streit. Carolina responded with a Manny Malhotra goal, his seventh of the year, with a lone assist by Komisarek. The Hurricanes extended the lead in the second period on an Eric Staal goal, his second of the game and twenty-first of the season, assisted by Tlusty and Faulk. The Flyers shot back on a Kimmo Timonen power play goal, his sixth of the year, powered by Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek. Philadelphia pulled closer on a Wayne Simmonds goal, his twenty-eighth of the season, with a lone helper by Tye McGinn. The Flyers tied it with an unassisted Sean Couturier goal, his thirteenth of the year. Carolina regained the lead in the third period with another Skinner goal, his second of the game and thirty-third of the season, fueled by Andrei Loktionov and Elias Lindholm. Philadelphia tied it with ten seconds left in regulation as Simmonds potted his second of the game and twenty-ninth of the year, with assists from Streit and Timonen. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Eric Staal's goal was good for a 6-5 Hurricanes win. The three stars were Eric Staal, Skinner, and Simmonds, while Komisarek, Tlusty, Faulk, Streit, and Timonen all pick up honorable mentions.

Down a bit to DC, as the Washington Capitals bring in the Tampa Bay Lightning. Anders Lindback and Braden Holtby are the young goalies. The only goal came in the shootout, where Matthew Carle scored to give Tampa Bay a 1-0 win. The three stars were given to Lindback (32 save shutout), Holtby (32 save "shutout"), and Carle.

Up in Buffalo, the Sabres host the New York Islanders. Anders Nilsson and Connor Knapp are the unknown goalies. Buffalo was first to score in the first period on a Jamie McBain goal, his sixth of the season, fueled by the goalie Knapp. The Sabres added on in the second period as Matt Ellis netted his fourth of the year, thanks to Marcus Foligno and Jake McCabe. New York got on the board with an Anders Lee power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Frans Nielsen and Josh Bailey. The Islanders tied it in the third period on a Lee goal, his second of the game and ninth of the year, made possible by Bailey and Nielsen. Buffalo took the lead back with a Torrey Mitchell goal, his second of the season, passed from Rasmus Ristolainen and Henrik Tallinder. New York retied it on a Brock Nelson goal, his fourteenth of the year, with a lone assist by Travis Hamonic. The Islanders would win 4-3 with a Nelson shootout tally. The three stars went to Lee, Nelson, and Nielsen, while Bailey was an honorable mention.

West a bit to Pittsburgh, as the Penguins host the Ottawa Senators. Robin Lehner and Jeff Zatkoff are in the blue paint. Pittsburgh began in the first period with a Jussi Jokinen power play goal, his twenty-first of the season, courtesy of Chris Kunitz and Kris Letang. Ottawa tied it with a Kyle Turris power play goal, his twenty-sixth of the year, via Erik Karlsson and Mike Hoffman. The Penguins took the lead in the second period on a Lee Stempniak goal, his twelfth of the season, assisted by Beau Bennett and Brian Gibbons. The Senators retied it on a power play goal by Mark Stone, his fourth of the year, via Clarke MacArthur and Patrick Wiercioch. Ottawa won 3-2 with goals by Turris and Jason Spezza in the shootout. The three stars were Turris, Stone, and Stempniak.

Out west, the Minnesota Wild welcome the Nashville Predators. Carter Hutton and Ilya Bryzgalov receive the starting nods. Minnesota struck first in the first period on an Erik Haula goal, his sixth of the season, passed from Jason Pominville and Jared Spurgeon. The Wild added on with a Pominville goal, his thirtieth of the year, guided in by Haula and Matt Moulson. Nashville got on the board with a Richard Clune goal, his third of the season, made possible by Paul Gaustad. Minnesota replied in the second period on a Zach Parise power play goal, his twenty-ninth of the year, powered by Mikko Koivu and Pominville. The Predators got one back with a Ryan Ellis goal, his sixth of the season, via Mattias Ekholm and Craig Smith. Nashville tied it on a power play goal by Shea Weber, his twenty-third of the year, assisted by Patric Hornqvist. The Predators took the lead on a Roman Josi goal, his thirteenth of the season, with assists from Calle Jarnkrok and Nick Spaling. Nashville extended the lead with a Smith goal, his twenty-third of the year, helped along by Josi and Colin Wilson. The Predators padded the lead with a Jarnkrok goal in the third period, his second of the season, pushed through by Smith and Ellis. Nashville iced it at 7-3 with a Smith power play goal, his second of the game and twenty-fourth of the year, with the help of Spaling and Jarnkrok. The three stars were Smith, Jarnkrok, and Pominville, while Haula, Ellis, Josi, and Spaling get the honorable mentions.

To California, where the Anaheim Ducks host the Colorado Avalanche. Jean-Sebastien Giguere faces his former team, who trots out John Gibson to oppose him in goal. Colorado got going in the first period on a Brad Malone goal, his third of the season, coming off of Nick Holden and Ryan Wilson. The Avalanche added on with a Stefan Elliott goal in the second period, thanks to Max Talbot and Patrick Bordeleau. Anaheim got on the board in the third period with a Pat Maroon goal, his eleventh of the year, via Mathieu Perreault and Ben Lovejoy. The Ducks tied it with a Saku Koivu goal, his eleventh of the season, passed from Sami Vatanen and Andrew Cogliano. Anaheim won 3-2 in overtime with a Nick Bonino goal, his twenty-second of the year, set up by Devante Smith-Pelly and Vatanen. Bonino, Vatanen, and Teemu Selanne received the three stars.

North to Vancouver, where the Canucks bring in the Calgary Flames. Karri Ramo and Jacob Markstrom are between the pipes. Vancouver started in the first period on a Daniel Sedin goal, his fifteenth of the season, courtesy of David Booth and Henrik Sedin. The Canucks added on as Daniel Sedin scored his sixteenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Alexander Edler and Henrik Sedin. Vancouver extended the lead in the second period on a Frank Corrado goal, going in unassisted. The Canucks padded the lead on a Ryan Kesler goal, his twenty-fifth of the season, an unassisted goal. Joey MacDonald relieved Ramo at this time. Calgary got on the board with a Johnny Gaudreau goal, coming off of Joe Colborne and Chris Breen. Vancouver shot back with a Weber power play goal, his sixth of the year, assisted by Jason Garrison and Mike Zalewski. This was good for a 5-1 win, with the three stars going to Daniel Sedin, Markstrom (21 for 22 in saves), and Henrik Sedin.

Finally, we end the regular season in Glendale, as the Phoenix Coyotes play their last game under such a moniker by hosting the Dallas Stars. Tim Thomas and Thomas Greiss draw the starts. Dallas opened with a first period Colton Sceviour power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Vernon Fiddler and Sergei Gonchar. Phoenix tied it in the second period on a Shane Doan goal, his twenty-third of the year, courtesy of Zbynek Michalek and Mikkel Boedker. The Coyotes took the lead in the third period on a David Moss goal, his eighth of the campaign, fueled by Martin Erat and Jeff Halpern. The three stars belonged to Greiss (16 for 17 in saves), Moss, and Doan.

It has been 195 days since the NHL season began back in October. Together, we have experienced every goal the league has had to offer us in the regular season. I am proud to have returned for my third complete season of NHL action on this here blog, and I am taking the time now to thank all of you that have checked in at some point this year. Your support and interest is worth very much to me. Starting on Wednesday, the NHL postseason will begin, and I will be here to take you through all of those games as well. I will return to the playoff format used last year, as I did not like how I did the KHL playoffs this year. See you all in three days! Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.